Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed concerns over Peter Obi’s presidential ambition, declaring that the former Anambra State governor poses no threat to President Bola Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
Umahi made the declaration while appearing on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he was asked about Obi’s potential impact on the APC, particularly in the South-East.
The minister described Obi as his “brother” and “friend”, insisting that he was not apprehensive about the former governor’s political influence in the region.
He said his position on integrating the South-East into mainstream national politics remained unchanged.
Umahi recalled that, as governor of Ebonyi State, he publicly urged people in the South-East to support former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“As a governor, go and watch my utterances. When Buhari was there, I publicly asked the South-East to give Buhari 25 per cent,” he said.
The minister also noted that he supported Atiku Abubakar in his home state during the election, explaining that his position was driven by the need for the South-East to participate more actively in national politics.
He insisted that Obi was not the only presidential aspirant from the region, noting that several other candidates were also seeking the presidency in 2027.
“Peter is not a threat. The point is that really, he’s not a threat to me as far as I’m concerned, and my party, and to Bola Tinubu. No, he’s not,” Umahi stated.
He, however, said dismissing Obi as a threat should not be interpreted as underestimating his political strength.
“Why should I underestimate him? He’s saying what he will do. I’m saying what we are doing,” the minister said.
Umahi challenged presidential aspirants to present their records in public and allow Nigerians to assess their performances.
“I’m saying what I did as governor of Ebonyi State. Any of these people that are talking about they want to rule the country, they should open the video to show how they developed their communities when they occupied the position,” he said.
He cited the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital and airport among projects executed during his tenure as governor.
On the reported “Rainbow Coalition” involving opposition politicians, Umahi dismissed the suggestion that he was part of the group.
He reaffirmed his membership of the APC and described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as his “friend and brother”.
“No, Ebonyi is very unique. No, it’s only the APC that is edible. No Rainbow. Even if it is a rainbow or whatever you call it, there’s nothing like that,” Umahi said.
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